Environmental Scientist

To be considered for this position, you must apply at CalCareers.ca.gov. To apply, you must first create a CalCareers account. Once your account is created, you can search for job code 515459 to locate the job posting and apply. 

Link: CalCareers

Note: This position will no longer be available on CalCareers once the job closes on 5/4/2026. No applications will be accepted after the job closing date.

Job description and Duties

Please note, the Water Boards do not participate in E-Verify.

Are you looking for an exciting and fulfilling career in the laboratory regulations space? Are you energized by enforcement work? Do you have laboratory experience and a quality mindset? If so, then this may be the position for you! Apply today and join our team. The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water, Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program has an opening for an Environmental Scientist with a focus on enforcement. The position can be located at one of Division of Drinking Water main office locations in Sacramento, Glendale, or Richmond, or in one of the district offices throughout California.

This position is entitled to a $250.00 pay differential per month based on Bargaining Unit and/or work location if hired to report a Division of Drinking Water office in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, San Francisco, or Santa Clara Counties.

Duties: 

The Environmental Scientist regulates environmental testing laboratories to ensure the data produced meets California standards for environmental and public health regulatory purposes. The incumbent will travel throughout the State to investigate laboratories and issue enforcement actions. The incumbent takes initiative to obtain and maintain certifications while participating in public outreach and improving ELAP’s procedures, processes, and databases.

Additional information:

Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class.

If the position requires driving, you must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Please Do Not include full Social Security Number, method of eligibility, and LEAP information in your Application package.

Please let us know how you heard about this position by taking this brief survey: Recruitment Survey.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Positions at the Water Boards may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position and might be expected to comply with Executive Order (EO) 22-25 after July 1, 2026.

In accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy and GC 14200, the successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.  Proof of residency may be required.

Salary Information – CalHR salary rules allow appointment at the entrance rate (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, § 599.673) of a classification. For classes with alternate ranges, placement is based on education/experience. Employees appointed to the Attorney or Water Resource Control Engineer classification will receive Recruitment Higher Above Minimum (HAM) rate in accordance with the approved Civil Service Pay Scales.

In addition, note: Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract.

The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Job type: Full-Time

$4,418.00 – $9,321.00 per Month

The Water Resources Control Board is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer.